Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  RX8-A Drivers Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8-Lover - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my new RX8! This is definitely a drivers car. Great handling and great looking! I almost get distracted by the number of people who hang out their windows to get a better look at my car. Great car for the money!

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  RX8 Rocks - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By jkinard - December 5 - 9:00 pm

  I absolutely love everything about this car. It handles unbelievably and will take most cars on a winding road. The high revving engine is non- stop fun. A little more torque off the line wouldnt be the worst thing though.

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  Faster than youd think - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By JT - December 5 - 1:50 pm

  I have had this car for about 2 months now. The first month spent breaking it in, while the second was more agressive driving. If you want a comfortable, fuel efficient, family sedan, buy this car. You cant beat it for the price. If you want an import racer... BUY THIS CAR. So far my brothers EX Civic with mods cant keep up. My brother-in-laws Integra GS-R modded out doesnt pull away like youd think. Oh yeah, a 98 Mustang V-6 doesnt even compare. And OH YEAH... I have the 2.0 that doesnt have any mods other than I took the air silencer off. I plan on getting a cat- back and CAI VERY soon.

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  Great CAR! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark of MS - December 5 - 7:40 am

  I traded a 2003 Chevy Silverado in on this Mazda 3 5-door because the Chevy truck was the most uncomfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. The Mazda 3 has a 2.3l inline 4-cylinder that has quicker zip than even my 6-cylinder truck had, and 30 mpg highway isnt bad. The drivers seat is very comfortable and all the controls are very easy to reach. I strongly recommend the 5-speed manual transmission for the most pep. Visibility is awesome in this vehicle. I drove a Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Honda Civic (my second choice), and a Dodge Caliber before finally deciding the Mazda was the best choice. None of the other vehicles even come close in performance and visibility.

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  Do not buy this car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jbshagg - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. if you truly read up you will find that most other owners complain about the axles, brakes, rotors, and loadness when driving on the highway. I have it in the shop AT LEAST twice a year. It is great on gas but too light in the snow in rain. I feel unsafe in the car, and want to trade, but currently owe more on it than it is worth.

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  So Far Its Good - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By meathead1986 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for a few months and so far I couldnt be much happier with my purchase. I was told when i bought it that the catalytic converters had already been replaced in it which disappointed me but we made the purchase anyways. The ride on the new Hancock tires was amazing. For a front wheel drive car this thing handles amazing. The hatch offers a lot of potential for mass cargo so I intend to use it next year for a cross country trip. Gas mileage could be a little better but when switching from an SUV I cant really complain all that much. The only bad thing about the vehicle Ive found is the turning radius. Its pretty horrible and my old SUV could out turn it.

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  Impressive for the $$$ spent - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By inet_dude - December 3 - 10:22 pm

  My 2011 MS3 is now 3 weeks old with roughly 1200 miles on it. Just about every review on this site is dead on with observations of handling and power. Mine is in Velocity Red and turns a few heads in my neighborhood as well. Styling is subjective but its really hard to argue the price-to-performance ratio. Also, I read a lot of criticism about the small multi-function nav screen but I have found mine to be of high quality, great resolution, and it gets me where I want to go without fuss.

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  My Hobby - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RLM - December 3 - 3:16 am

  I am a suspension and handling addict and this car answers the call and more. I have the six speed with Bilstein shocks and limited slip differential in triple black. For me the car has just the right horse power as I enjoy using the six speed to make the car go rather than just hitting the gas. I enjoy the interaction with the car and the road especially with the top down.

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  Like brand new! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By pyrexmaniac - December 3 - 2:46 am

  Ive had my Mazda5 for over three years now and with almost 90,000 miles on the odo, I can think of so few flaws that I cant imagine buying any other vehicle as a replacement in a year or so. Lets see.....it eats tires (what front-drive automobile doesnt?) The carpet is on the cheap side (especially in the Northeast with snow and salt.) There is a big chip in the hood that is starting to rust. The battery has been replaced. Everything else (including the brakes) are as-purchased. The quality is absolutely astounding...not a squeak or rattle on the entire vehicle and the highway ride seems to be getting better over time. The manual transmission is sweeter than the icing on any cake.

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  First Time Mazda Owner - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By b0r3dguy - December 3 - 1:50 am

  This is just my 3rd vehicle Ive owned since I began driving. My previous two cars were Acuras (04 RSX & 07 RDX), so I was looking for something sporty, yet luxurious. When I originally began looking, I went to the dealer and test drove the all-new 2010 Mazda3, but I noticed that Mazda had great incentives on the 6. Later that day, I test drove a Mazda6 and instantly fell for it. I decided on the Brillant Silver w/ Moonroof & Bose package. I didnt get Navi because I have my own unit already.